Communal Cleaning Services for Blocks of Flats
Reliable, professional communal cleaning for communal areas that keeps your building welcoming and well-maintained for every resident.
Maintaining clean communal areas is one of the most important aspects of managing a block of flats. First impressions matter, and the condition of shared spaces such as hallways, stairwells, lobbies, and external grounds directly affects the quality of life for residents and the overall value of the property. At Block, our communal cleaning services for flats are designed to deliver consistent, high-quality results that keep your building looking its best throughout the year.
Whether you manage a small conversion or a large residential block management development, cleaning communal areas requires a structured approach with the right frequency, scope, and attention to detail. We work with trusted, vetted cleaning contractors and establish bespoke cleaning schedules that reflect the specific needs of each building we manage. As part of our wider block management services, communal cleaning is fully coordinated alongside building maintenance, compliance, and financial administration to ensure seamless property management.
What Is Included in Our Communal Cleaning Services?
Our communal cleaning services cover every shared area within your block. We tailor the scope and specification to match the building's layout, the number of residents, and the level of use each area receives. A typical communal cleaning programme includes:
Every cleaning visit is logged, and our property managers carry out regular inspections to ensure work meets the agreed standard. If issues arise, we address them immediately with the cleaning contractor so that residents always experience a consistently clean environment.
Cleaning Schedules Tailored to Your Building
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning communal areas. A two-storey conversion with four flats has very different needs from a ten-storey tower block with a hundred units. We design bespoke cleaning schedules based on:
- The size and layout of the building
- The number of residents and units
- Foot traffic levels in common areas
- Whether the building has lifts, bin stores, or car parks
- The type of flooring and finishes in communal spaces
- Seasonal requirements such as leaf clearance or gritting
Most blocks we manage benefit from weekly or fortnightly cleaning of high-traffic areas, with less frequent deep cleaning and external maintenance scheduled throughout the year. We adjust schedules as needed and welcome feedback from residents to ensure the service meets expectations. All cleaning costs are transparently included in the service charge budget with no hidden extras.
Communal Cleaning Pricing
The cost of communal cleaning varies depending on the size of the building, the scope of work, and how frequently cleaning is required. We obtain competitive quotes from vetted contractors and present clear, itemised costs so that leaseholders know exactly what they are paying for. Our goal is to deliver the best possible standard of cleaning at a fair and transparent price.
Because communal cleaning is funded through the service charge, it is essential that costs are reasonable and represent value for money. We regularly review cleaning contracts to ensure pricing remains competitive, and we are not tied to any single cleaning provider. If a better option becomes available, we will recommend a switch to benefit leaseholders and keep costs under control.
For a tailored communal cleaning quote for your block, please get in touch or call us on 0161 371 7190. We will assess your building and provide a clear, no-obligation proposal.
Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Communal Areas?
Responsibility for cleaning communal areas in a block of flats typically falls on the freeholder or their appointed managing agent. The lease usually sets out the freeholder's obligation to maintain and keep clean shared areas including hallways, stairwells, entrance lobbies, and external grounds. The cost of fulfilling this obligation is recovered from leaseholders through the service charge.
In buildings managed by a Right to Manage company or a residents' management company, the directors take on the responsibility of arranging communal cleaning. Many choose to appoint a professional block management company to handle this on their behalf, ensuring the work is carried out to a consistent standard and properly supervised.
Regardless of who holds the freeholder responsibilities, residents have a right to expect communal areas to be maintained to a reasonable standard. If cleaning is not being carried out adequately, leaseholders can raise the matter with their managing agent or, if necessary, apply to the First-tier Tribunal for resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communal Cleaning
Who is responsible for cleaning communal areas in a block of flats?
The freeholder or their appointed managing agent is typically responsible for arranging the cleaning of communal areas in a block of flats. The cost of communal cleaning is recovered from leaseholders through the service charge. The specific obligations are usually outlined in the lease, which sets out the landlord's duty to maintain and keep clean shared areas such as hallways, stairwells, lobbies, and external grounds.
How often should communal areas be cleaned in a block of flats?
The frequency of communal cleaning depends on the size of the building, the number of residents, and the level of foot traffic. Most blocks benefit from at least weekly cleaning of high-traffic areas such as entrance lobbies, stairwells, and corridors. Lifts, bin stores, and car parks may require more frequent attention. A good managing agent will establish a cleaning schedule tailored to your building's specific needs.
Can leaseholders challenge the cost of communal cleaning?
Yes, leaseholders have the right to challenge service charge costs, including communal cleaning, if they believe the charges are unreasonable. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, service charges must be reasonably incurred and for work carried out to a reasonable standard. If you are dissatisfied, you can raise concerns with your managing agent or apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a determination.
What is included in communal area cleaning for flats?
Communal area cleaning for flats typically includes sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming hallways, corridors, and stairwells; cleaning entrance lobbies and door glass; wiping handrails and light switches; cleaning lifts and lift lobbies; emptying communal bins; cleaning bin store areas; window cleaning in shared spaces; and periodic deep cleaning of carpets or hard flooring. The exact scope depends on the building and the agreed cleaning specification.
Need Reliable Communal Cleaning for Your Block?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team will assess your building and recommend a communal cleaning programme that keeps your communal areas spotless.